Abstract: D-mannoside-6-phosphate compounds having anti-inflammatory activity are disclosed, and use thereof in treating inflammatory diseases, particularly cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The invention concerns new guanidine derivatives of formula (I), methods of preparing them and their use in drugs containing such compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method of preventing and treating sepsis and ARDS using chemokine or biologically active fragment thereof, alone or in conjunction with an anti-infective agent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polypeptide (CD40-L) and DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing CD40-L polypeptides. More particularly, this invention provides isolated human and murine CD40-L polypeptides that bind to the extracellular binding region of a CD40 receptor.

Abstract: The use compound 1 and/or 2 of the formulae and of physiologically tolerable salts of compound 2 for the treatment of rejection reactions of the organ recipient to the transplanted organ is described.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula wherein R represents a straight or branched chain alkyl group containing from 1 to 16 carbon atoms, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and/or optical isomers thereof have an immunostimulating effect, and are useful in the treatment of arteriosclerosis.

Abstract: A method of treating an individual with an immune system with decreased activity by administering an effective amount of a lipid preparation derived from a natural source and enriched to contain at least 10% (w/w) phosphatidic acid (PA) is disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed the use, as an agent in the treatment or the prevention of an autoimmune disease, of: (i) an agent having GM-1 binding activity, other than Ctx or Etx, or the B subunits of Ctx and Etx; or (ii) an agent having an effect on GM-1 mediated intracellular signalling events, but no GM-1 binding activity. These agents may also be used in the treatment of human T cell leukaemia, in the prevention of transplant rejection or GVHD or in a vaccination method for vaccinating a mammalian subject.

Abstract: IL-6 is produced via recombinant DNA techniques. The peptide is useful in the treatment of disorders characterized by deficiencies in hematopoietic cells and in combination with other hematopoietins in cancer therapies.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of enhancing an immune response to an immunogen in an animal. The method comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the immunogen and an effective amount of a modified C-reactive protein (mCRP) or a mutant-mCRP. The invention also provides a vaccine and a method of producing this vaccine. The vaccine comprises an immunogen and an mCRP or a mutant-mCRP in a pharmaceutically-acceptable vehicle. The invention further provides a kit for immunizing an animal to an immunogen comprising (1) a container holding the immunogen and a container holding an mCRP or a mutant-mCRP or (2) a container holding the immunogen and an mCRP or a mutant-mCRP. The invention also provides a method of elicing an immune response to a hapten in an animal. The method comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the hapten in association with an an effective amount of an mCRP or a mutant-mCRP. The invention further provides a vaccine and a method of producing this vaccine.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a composition and method is provided that allows for the administration of a biologically-active factors to a human or animal. The present invention can be used to treat a disease with a biologically-active factor or combination of biologically-active factors, or can be used to safely vaccinate a human or animal against a biologically-active factor. It can also be used as a method for the delivery of biologically-active factors for the treatment of disease. Additionally, the present invention also includes a method of targeted drug delivery for the treatment of disease through the administration of custom complexes containing of one or more biologically active factors bound to a colloidal metal where at least one of the biologically-active factors is capable of binding a high affinity receptor on a cell surface.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are methods of treating a variety of disorders including AIDS, arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthropathies), antibiotic induced diarrheal diseases (Closbidium difficile), multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, gingivitis, peptic ulcer disease, esophagitis, diabetes, retinitis, uveitis, reperfusion injury after myocardial infarction (MI) or cerebral vascular accident (CVA), aphthous ulcers (oral), atherosclerosis (plaque rupture), prevention of tumor metastases, asthma, preeclampsia, acute pancreatitis, psoriasis, infertility and allergic disorders such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and urticaria.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding the human IL-11 receptor and fragments thereof are disclosed. IL-11 receptor proteins, methods for their production, inhibitors of binding of human IL-11 and its receptor and methods for their identification are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, compounds, and compositions for treating a disease associated with immune dysfunction. In accordance with the method, a pharmacologically-acceptable composition including at least one compound selected from the group of compounds consisting of 5-alkyl-resorcinol derivatives, cannabinol derivatives, cannabidiol derivatives, cannabigerol derivatives, and combinations thereof is administered to a patient under conditions sufficient to attenuate the dysfunction within the immune system. The invention also provides an antiviral cannabinol derivative that can be used in the inventive method. The invention also provides an alkylated resorcinol derivative and a method of using the alkylated resorcinol derivative to attenuate the growth of a neoplasm. The method and compound are useful for treating diseases of the immune system, such as HIV disease and neoplastic disorders.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are methods of treating a variety of disorders including AIDS, arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthropathies), antibiotic induced diarrheal diseases (Clostridium difficile), multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, gingivitis, peptic ulcer disease, esophagitis, diabetes, retinitis, uveitis, reperfusion injury after myocardial infarction (MI) or cerebral vascular accident (CVA), aphthous ulcers (oral), atherosclerosis (plaque rupture), prevention of tumor metastases, asthma, preeclampsia, and allergic disorders such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and urticaria.

Abstract: Methods for treating and/or preventing a TNF-mediated disease in an individual are disclosed. Also disclosed is a composition comprising methotrexate and an anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody. TNF-mediated diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and acute and chronic immune diseases associated with transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid and efficient method for the preparation and isolation of biologically active polysaccharides from Aloe. The present invention includes the activated mixture of polysaccharides (referred to herein as “Inmuno-10”), produced by the methods of the invention. The invention also includes the use of the polysaccharides as immunostimulating, immunomodulating and wound healing agents. The resulting immunomodulatory complex has a higher activity and is more stable than bulk carbohydrates isolated using prior art alcohol precipitation schemes.

Abstract: Native complement pathway proteins modified such that the protein is capable of forming a down-regulation resistant C3 convertase. Preferably the modified protein is a modified human C3 protein. DNA sequences encoding such proteins are also provided, together with DNA constructs. Conjugates comprising such proteins and a specific binding moiety, for example an antibody, are also described, as are uses of such proteins and/or conjugates in therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product and process for suppressing an immune response using a T lymphocyte veto molecule capable of blocking cell surface molecules responsible for T cell activation. Disclosed is a CD4 or CD2 molecule, associated with an immunoglobulin molecule capable of binding to a major histocompatibility antigen. Also disclosed is a method to produce a T lymphocyte veto molecule, a therapeutic composition comprising a T lymphocyte veto molecule and methods to use T lymphocyte veto molecules in therapeutic processes requiring suppression of an immune response.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polypeptide (CD40-L) and DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing CD40-L polypeptides. More particularly, this invention provides isolated human and murine CD40-L polypeptides that bind to the extracellular binding region of a CD40 receptor. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting undesirable immune responses, preventing T cell interaction with B cells by blocking CD40L binding to CD40 sites on B cells and other target cells.

Abstract: Method of treating or ameliorating symptoms of T-cell mediated disease wherein a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a polyunsaturated fatty acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is administered to the patient. The polyunsaturated fatty acid contains 18-25 carbon atoms, 1-6 double bonds and has 1 or 2 substitutions selected from &bgr; oxa, &ggr; oxa, &bgr; thia and &ggr; thia, based on the fatty acid acyl carbon atom, or the polyunsaturated fatty acid contains 16-26 carbon atoms, 3-double bonds and is covalently coupled at the carboxylic acid group to an amino acid.

Abstract: This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric matrices, especially those comprising IL-6 as an active ingredient. Specific novel poly(ethylene carbomate) polymers are also provided for more general use as matrix materials in sustained release compositions containing pharmacologically active compounds, as are methods of using of IL-6 for treatment of conditions mediated by IL-1 and/or TNF&agr;, e.g., certain autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, as well as septic shock.

Abstract: Improved oral cyclosporin formulations which have high bioavailability and are capable of admiration in hard capsules are provided. In the subject formations, cyclosporin is delivered in an orally acceptable vehicle comprising at least one alkanol solvent of from 2 to 3 carbon atoms in combination with at least one non-ionic surfactant. The subject formalations may further comprise at least one cosolvent, where cosolvents of interest include fatty acids and diols. The subject formulations find use in immuno-suppressive therapy.

Abstract: A method of reducing immune response to a viral vector containing a selected transgene is provided. The method involves co-administration of the viral vector and a selected immune modulator capable of inhibiting the formation of neutralizing antibodies and/or CTL elimination of the vectors upon repeated administration.

Abstract: IL-13 receptor proteins, methods for their production, inhibitors of binding of IL-13 and its receptor methods of mediating-Ig-responses and methods for their identification are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds that are useful for inhibition and prevention of cell adhesion and cell adhesion-mediated pathologies. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising these compounds and methods of using them for inhibition and prevention of cell adhesion and cell adhesion-mediated pathologies. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can be used as therapeutic or prophylactic agents. They are particularly well-suited for treatment of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to lectin derived carbohydrate binding peptides or derivatives thereof useful for suppressing inflammatory responses, inducing tolerance to an antigen, and suppressing cell adhesion, e.g., involved in metastasis. In particular, peptides capable of binding terminally linked &agr;-sialic acid(2-6)&bgr;Gal- and/or &agr;-sialic acid(2-3)&bgr;Gal-groups on structures or molecules comprising such groups are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions containing such lectin derived carbohydrate binding peptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for enhancing the immune system of a patient by orally administering to the patient safflower seeds or an extract of safflower seeds in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is relative to nucleic acids containing at least one nucleic acid sequence coding for a recombinant polypeptide, which recombinant polypeptide contains at least partially the primary sequence of the invariant chain and at least one primary sequence from a specific T-cell epitope and is processed in a desired manner in antigen-presenting cells for binding the specific T-cell epitope to MHC II molecules.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of preparation and the composition of a water soluble extract of the plant species Uncaria. The present invention is also directed to the pharmaceutical use of the composition for the enhancement of the immune, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and DNA repair processes of warm blooded animals. The present preparation of the water soluble extract of the plant species Uncaria results in the depletion of many of the ingredients which lead to various toxic side effects associated with other extracts or compositions derived from Uncaria. Also, the present preparation leads to the depletion of many of the active ingredients commonly associated with other extracts and compositions of the plant species Uncaria.

Abstract: Hydrazine derivatives of the formula wherein Y is CO or SO2; R1 is lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower cycloalkyl, lower cycloalkyl-lower alkyl, aryl or aryl-lower alkyl; R2 is lower alkyl, halo-lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkenyl or aryl when Y is SO2 and is lower alkyl, halo-lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, lower cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkoxy or NR5R6 when Y is CO; and R3 is hydrogen, lower alkyl optionally substituted by cyano, amino, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl, heterocyclyl or heterocyclylcarbonyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower cycloalkyl, lower cycloalkyl-lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkenyl, aryl or heterocyclyl; or R2 and R3 together form the residue of a 5-, 6- or 7-membered cyclic amide, cyclic imide, cyclic sulphonamide or cyclic urethane group; R4 is lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower cycloalkyl, lower cycloalkyl-lower alkyl or a group of the formula X-aryl, X-heteroar

Abstract: Methods for controlling cell death when the cell is exposed to one or more potentially lethal cellular insults. In one method, cell death is inhibited by introducing a reactive oxygen species limiter into the cell which prevents the build up of lethal levels of reactive oxygen species when the cell is exposed to a cellular insult. In another method, cell death is promoted in cancer cells or other proliferating cells which are naturally resistant to lethal cellular insults. The method involves neutralizing reactive oxygen species limiters, such as bcl-2, which occur naturally in cancer cells and which prevent the build up of reactive oxygen species within the cancer cells when they are exposed to lethal cellular insult. Neutralizing the reactive oxygen species limiter leaves the cancer cell unable to protect itself when cellular insult causes increases in the level of reactive oxygen species. The result is an increase in cell death.

Abstract: An antiallergic agent which is characterized in containing at least one compound selected from a group consisting of 4,5-dihydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-one represented by the following formula [I] and an optically active substance and a salt thereof as an effective component.

Abstract: Extracts of Tanacetum parthenium with a reduced content of &agr;-unsaturated &ggr;-lactones, particularly of parthenolide, obtainable by elution on basic resins are disclosed. The extracts of the invention have favourable pharmacological properties together with reduced risks of allergic reactions.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining beneficial stable levels of circulating histamine are disclosed for use in methods for enhancing natural killer cell cytotoxicity. In such methods, a beneficial level of circulating histamine is attained and an agent whose ability to enhance natural killer cell cytotoxicity is augmented by histamine is administered. Alternatively, stable beneficial levels of circulating histamine can be attained in subjects receiving chemotherapy or antiviral treatment. The invention may also be employed in treatments combining histamine, agents which enhance natural killer cell cytotoxicity, and chemotherapeutic agents. Optimization of the delivery of histamine and substances which induce the release of endogenous histamine are also disclosed.

Abstract: Liposome encapsulated antibiotic therapy has limited application against infectious organisms, which can sequester in non-phagocytic cells. Virulence factors of these infectious organisms, for example bacterial components, when used in the formulation of liposomes can enhance the effectiveness of liposomes as delivery systems in the treatment of disease. In this manner, multi-functional liposomes can be developed to treat target diseases. In addition to serving as antibiotic delivery systems, such liposomes also have an immunization effect. Thus, the liposomes can be used for both the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Abstract: Binding compositions and various methods of use of the binding compositions are provided. In particular, a method is provided which comprises administering an effective amount of the binding composition, alone or in combination with other compounds, to eosinophils, thereby reducing the level of eosinophils in an individual. Preferably, the binding composition is a monoclonal antibody specific for CCR3.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition in the form of a solid dispersion comprising a macrolide, e.g. a rapamycin or an ascomycin, and a carrier medium.

Abstract: The inventors provide an agent for potentiating the effect of interleukin-8, which comprises dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. An agent for potentiating the effect of IL-8 of the present invention potentiates the effect of IL-8 by activating the receptor of IL-8 and increasing the number of receptors.

Abstract: A drug containing, in particular, fractions of the envelopes of bacteria of genera Beggiatoa and Vitreoscilla. The drug is particularly useful for treating ear, nose and throat infections or bronchopulmonary infections.

Abstract: Isolated receptors for IL-17, DNA's encoding such receptors, pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, and methods of treatment using the IL-17 receptors are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of enhancing an immune response to an immunogen in an animal. The method comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the immunogen and an effective amount of a modified C-reactive protein (mCRP) or a mutant-mCRP. The invention also provides a vaccine and a method of producing this vaccine. The vaccine comprises an immunogen and an mCRP or a mutant-mCRP in a pharmaceutically-acceptable vehicle. The invention further provides a kit for immunizing an animal to an immunogen comprising (1) a container holding the immunogen and a container holding an mCRP or a mutant-mCRP or (2) a container holding the immunogen and an mCRP or a mutant-mCRP. The invention also provides a method of elicing an immune response to a hapten in an animal. The method comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the hapten in association with an an effective amount of an mCRP or a mutant-mCRP. The invention further provides a vaccine and a method of producing this vaccine.

Abstract: A new method of measuring blood levels of immunophilin-binding pharmaceuticals, e.g., cyclosporins, rapamycins, and FK506 compounds is provided, comprising the novel step of displacing the pharmaceutical from its immunophilin by using a binding competitor, thereby eliminating the need for an extraction step and enhancing the simplicity and accuracy of the assay. Assay kits comprising a binding competitor and a receptor, e.g., a monoclonal antibody, which binds to the pharmaceutical but not significantly to the binding competitor are also provided, as are new uses of immunophilin-binding compounds as binding competitors in such assays.

Abstract: A peptide having the structure of the p277 sequence of hsp60 in which one or both cysteine residues are replaced by valine residues and/or in which the Thr19 residue is replaced by Lys, has substantially the same biological activity as p277 but with substantially improved stability. The novel p277 analogues may be used for every purpose that p277 can be used.

Abstract: A therapeutic nasal inhalant for using bioflavanoids as a topical antioxidant. The therapeutic nasal inhalant includes a method for making a therapeutic nasal inhalant composition for treating nasal mucosa. The method comprises the steps of mixing together two cups of water, one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of sodium chloride, and four milligrams of vitamin C to form a mixture. Mixing a bioflavanoid with the mixture. Allowing the mixture to stand. Filtering the mixture. Allowing the mixture to stand for a second time. Filtering the mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions including an adenosine analog, wherein the composition comprises a dosage form suitable for oral (co)administration. Also disclosed are compositions including adenosine analogs, wherein the composition is in a dosage form including a pill, capsule, lozenge, or tablet, and compositions including adenosine analogs, wherein the composition is in a dosage form comprising a liquid. Additionally disclosed are methods of administering the inventive composition, and kits including the inventive compositions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protein of the TGF-&bgr; family, the DNA coding therefor and a pharmaceutical composition containing such protein.

Abstract: This invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a mycophenolate salt, the composition being adapted to release mycophenolate in the upper part of the intestinal tract.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel materials and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of autoimmune disease. In a specific embodiment, elevated production of prostaglandin synthase-2 (PGS-2) is correlated with autoimmune dysfunction.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use as therapeutic agents of IL-2 peptides and derivatives having biological activity and anti-IL-2 antibodies which mimic or modulate the biological activities of IL-2. The invention also relates to DNA sequences encoding the IL-2 peptides, and to methods of using the IL-2 peptides and derivatives and anti-IL-2 antibodies to modulate or mimic or antagonize the biological activities of IL-2 in vivo and to assay for the presence and activity of the IL-2 receptor.